Best Auction Houses & Dealers in Germany
The best German auction houses compared — Lempertz, Grisebach, Ketterer Kunst, and more in Berlin, Munich, Cologne & Stuttgart. Fees, specialties, and how to sell.
Germany's Auction Heritage
Germany boasts one of Europe's most established and respected auction markets. With major houses in Berlin, Munich, Cologne, and Stuttgart, the country offers a sophisticated marketplace for art, antiques, and luxury collectibles. German auction houses are known for their scholarly cataloguing, transparent business practices, and strong expertise in European fine and decorative arts.
Lempertz in Cologne, founded in 1798, is one of the oldest auction houses in the world and a powerhouse for Old Masters, modern art, and Asian art. Grisebach in Berlin dominates the German contemporary art market, while Ketterer Kunst in Munich specializes in modern and post-war art with consistently strong results. Stuttgart's Nagel Auktionen and Munich's Hampel Fine Art Auctions round out the major players with broad generalist offerings.
The German market has particular strengths in Expressionist and post-war art (reflecting the country's rich artistic heritage), European porcelain (including Meissen), scientific instruments, vintage automobilia, and luxury goods. German buyers are known for being knowledgeable and discerning, which drives high quality consignments.
For international sellers, Germany offers competitive commission structures and excellent logistics. Buyer's premiums typically range from 25-32%, with VAT implications that vary depending on the margin scheme applied. Most major German houses conduct sales in both German and English.
German auction houses at a glance
6 houses compared by city, age, specialties and buyer's premium. Seller commission is usually agreed per consignment, so ask each house for a quote.
| Auction house | City | Founded | Known for | Buyer's premium | Online bidding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampel Fine Art Auctions | Munich | 1989 | Fine Art & Paintings, Antique Furniture, Ceramics & Porcelain | 29.5% of hammer price inclusive of VAT | Yes |
| Ketterer Kunst | Munich | 1954 | Fine Art & Paintings, Books & Manuscripts | 34% up to €2M, 29% to €4M, 22% above, incl. VAT (margin scheme); 29%/2... | Yes |
| Quittenbaum Kunstauktionen | Munich | 1998 | Antique Furniture, Fine Art & Paintings, Ceramics & Porcelain | 33% incl. VAT (margin scheme); 26% plus VAT under standard taxation; +... | Yes |
| Grisebach | Berlin | 1986 | Fine Art, German Expressionism, Photography | 34% up to €1M, 29% to €4M, 22% above, incl. VAT (margin scheme); 29%/2... | Yes |
| Lempertz | Cologne | 1845 | Fine Art, Asian Art, Old Masters | 27% up to €800,000 and 22% above, plus 19% VAT on the premium (32.13%... | Yes |
| Nagel Auktionen | Stuttgart | 1922 | Asian Art, Antiques, Jewelry | 29.5% incl. VAT (margin scheme); 24.5% plus VAT under regular taxation | Yes |
Hampel Fine Art Auctions
Auction HouseLeading Munich-based international auction house specializing in Old Masters, Asian art, and fine furniture since 1989.
Ketterer Kunst
Auction HouseGermany's market-leading auction house for modern art and rare books, family-owned since 1954.
Quittenbaum Kunstauktionen
Auction HouseMunich's specialist auction house for Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Bauhaus, and twentieth-century design.
Grisebach
Auction HouseGermany's leading auction house for modern art, based in Berlin.
Lempertz
Auction HouseGermany's oldest auction house and the world's oldest family-run auction firm.
Nagel Auktionen
Auction HouseStuttgart's specialist in Asian art and antiquities, with a century of expertise.
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